Answer:
In a criminal case, the government brings charges against the defendant.
Explanation:
The defendant is the person in the dispute against whom the other party, the plaintiff, is suing. In criminal matters, the defendant accused of a crime may also be called an accused.
Specifically, the plaintiff accuses the defendant of having committed a crime against him. For example, in a theft lawsuit, the defendant is that person accused of having carried out the theft against the plaintiff.
